In spite of reading that some officials in the USA consider New Zealand is pretty unimportant in the scheme of things, we think we're doing pretty well down here in our part of the world.
And, in response to those who think New Zealand is an island off the coast of Australia, we are not. In fact, Australia is at least a three hour flight from New Zealand, across the Tasman Ocean. We are rivals in most sports, especially rugby. However, we do unite when pitted against the rest of the world.
New Zealand consists of three major islands, the North Island where I live - known by North Islanders as the Mainland, the South Island - known by South Islanders as the Mainland, and Stewart Island, way down at the bottom of the country. The North and South Islands are separated by a sometimes wild, but always beautiful, piece of water called Cook Strait.
People of New Zealand are often called Kiwis. We don't really mind. But the kiwi is really a flightless native bird. Once this seemed as if we, the people of New Zealand considered ourselves flightless. However, because we are so far away from everywhere else, we are far from flightless, as if we want to go anywhere away from our shores, there is little choice but to fly. New Zealanders are well travelled and can be found in most countries around the world.
New Zealanders are proud of their country. We are considered a clean, green paradise and hope we can remain this way. We offer amazing outdoor recreation possibilities in our lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. Our food is fresh, unspoiled and mostly produced in natural outdoor surroundings.
And we are civilised, in spite of some concerns that nobody could be when they live so far away from anywhere. You just need to consider the movies we have produced, Whale Rider and Lord of the Rings for example. We have internationally remowned artists, poets, and sports people. Our education system, especially in literacy teaching, is a model for many other countries.
New Zealand may be small, having a population of around four million people. But we are far from being in danger of dropping off the bottom of the world.
If you are interested in reading more about our wonderful country, articles I have written include:
Aotearoa New Zealand - Maori Discovery, British Colony, Dutch Name
International Arts Festival, Wellington, New Zealand 2010
Come to New Zealand
Holiday in The Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
And, in response to those who think New Zealand is an island off the coast of Australia, we are not. In fact, Australia is at least a three hour flight from New Zealand, across the Tasman Ocean. We are rivals in most sports, especially rugby. However, we do unite when pitted against the rest of the world.
New Zealand consists of three major islands, the North Island where I live - known by North Islanders as the Mainland, the South Island - known by South Islanders as the Mainland, and Stewart Island, way down at the bottom of the country. The North and South Islands are separated by a sometimes wild, but always beautiful, piece of water called Cook Strait.
People of New Zealand are often called Kiwis. We don't really mind. But the kiwi is really a flightless native bird. Once this seemed as if we, the people of New Zealand considered ourselves flightless. However, because we are so far away from everywhere else, we are far from flightless, as if we want to go anywhere away from our shores, there is little choice but to fly. New Zealanders are well travelled and can be found in most countries around the world.
New Zealanders are proud of their country. We are considered a clean, green paradise and hope we can remain this way. We offer amazing outdoor recreation possibilities in our lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. Our food is fresh, unspoiled and mostly produced in natural outdoor surroundings.
And we are civilised, in spite of some concerns that nobody could be when they live so far away from anywhere. You just need to consider the movies we have produced, Whale Rider and Lord of the Rings for example. We have internationally remowned artists, poets, and sports people. Our education system, especially in literacy teaching, is a model for many other countries.
New Zealand may be small, having a population of around four million people. But we are far from being in danger of dropping off the bottom of the world.
If you are interested in reading more about our wonderful country, articles I have written include:
Aotearoa New Zealand - Maori Discovery, British Colony, Dutch Name
International Arts Festival, Wellington, New Zealand 2010
Come to New Zealand
Holiday in The Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
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Wonderful picture! Welcome to blogging.
ReplyDeletemyqualityday.blogspot.com
Nice to see my friends dropping in to meet you Val.
ReplyDeleteI have friends who emigrated to NZ in the '70's they tell of a lovely place to live.